Vaulters’ Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct Nation Valley Vaulters fosters everyone’s diverse qualities to create a successful, cohesive team that will yield valuable skills and memories. Our goal is to provide a healthy, productive environment where we can all grow in a positive, safe environment. NVV Competitive club is a privilege to be part of, mutual respect and cooperation is required of all of its members.

If horses are not available due to illness, injury, or travel issues, an alternative class will be provided (ie. barrel class). Horse time at practice is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the coaches/lungers. In the event of cold or inclement weather, classes may be cancelled with 4 hours notice by coach. A make up practice will be scheduled within that semester. Classes missed/cancelled by the vaulter will not be entitled to a makeup session.

Participants, coaches, lungers, approved visitors and volunteers only are permitted in the grooming arena and vaulting circle. Unless parents are volunteering, please keep contact with vaulters to a minimum to help them stay focused on their tasks and responsibilities in class. We welcome parents to watch classes from a designated seating area, but reserve the right to ask them to leave with no questions asked. Parents need their own OEF insurance to help around horses, and proper footwear is required around horses at ALL times even for spectators.

All safety measures possible are taken at every class, competition or demonstration to reduce risks. These include but are not restricted to; horse & vaulter health (no participation against doctor’s orders), ground conditions (absence of obstacles and appropriate footing), weather conditions (ie. barrel class vs cancellation of class if too cold/stormy etc.), required insurances (all vaulters must have a current OEF membership), adequate vaulter and horse warm-up, training degree of difficulty tailored to each individual participant, and equipment checks.

The horses are living partners that work, learn, tolerate and contribute to the team. Respect must be given to their physical and emotional needs. Caution and care must also be used when training around and caring for them. Participants must follow the guidelines given in orientation, including rules of the barn, arena, and/or horses. Decisions made by the coach/lunger are made in the best interest of the horse and are not to be disputed by vaulters or parents. Classes start at their scheduled start time, and are finished when all the horse care is complete, not when the vaulters are finished vaulting. The care of the horses is required of all vaulters until a coach excuses them.

Movement between levels (degree of difficulty of moves and pace) is dependent on safety, competition scores if applicable, coach/lunger discretion, well being of the horse, available horse time and input from vaulter. Moving up is a privilege and must be earned. Training, cueing, and discipline of the horses is the sole responsibility of the coaches and designated lungers. It is our goal to provide safe, fit, suitable horses to work and have fun with. Vaulters contribute to the horses progression, comfort and willingness by vaulting as directed by the coaches to fit the needs/abilities of the horse they’re on.

Demos are by invite only, some we can invite the entire team, some we bring our most advanced vaulters, or our class helpers. Who attends the demos is the selection of the coach based on the events expectations and must be respected.

No personal electronic devices at practices, meetings etc. unless they are to compliment the class/event, ie: Music or videotaping.

Families are often needed to volunteer to make some of our events/activities happen. Parents are encouraged to find areas that they enjoy and/or are comfortable with to support the team. Team meetings, which are scheduled as needed approximately 1-2/year are extended to interested families. Any activity using the team name and/or logo will have a project leader determined by the coach/owner. This person will responsible for any direct communication with the coach/owner, overseeing the project, creating committees if extra help is required, and dialogue between parents, vaulters & coaches. Examples of projects include fundraising, competitions, media releases, community contact etc.

Lessons Classes consist of preparation of horse & vaulter, vaulting, and cool-down/clean-up. Athletes are required to come prepared with appropriate clothing & footwear, bodies nourished, hydrated & rested, and a wiling attitude. Clothing should be fitted & non-binding; lycra tights are ideal. Water or vaulting shoes are needed for on the horse, and runners or boots for horse preparation. Hair needs to be off the face so as not to interfere with vision and/or be a distraction. No half shirts (belly shirts) or shorts at practice. (Barrel classes allow shorts) Any jewelry that can get caught while vaulting should be removed before the start of practice. Vaulters are responsible for their own belongings and the team equipment at class, demos, clinics and competitions. Parents are encouraged to support independence & responsibility.

Club contact/Coach is Jen Byvelds
Phone: 613-298-0072
Email: jenbyvelds@gmail.com
Out of respect for class, horses and students, concerns or lengthier questions should be addressed outside of class time. Email or phone are only for smaller issues. Yime will be made for face to face meetings to discuss all others. Office hours to contact is between 9am-7pm Monday to Sat.